2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Reviews

2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 3.8 from North America

Model year2002
Year of manufacture2001
First year of ownership2005
Most recent year of ownership2009
Engine and transmission 3.8 Automatic
Performance marks 10 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 9 / 10
Dealer Service marks 10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 10 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
9.8 / 10
Distance when acquired85000 miles
Most recent distance105000 miles
Previous carGMC Pickup

Summary:

It is a sporty and fast car

Faults:

When I purchased it, it missed and didn't want to go when I accelerated, so took it back to the dealer and they determined that the catalytic converter was plugged, which they replaced under warranty, since then it has performed flawlessly.

Occasionally a low tire light comes on, but after checking the tires, they are OK, good excuse to check the pressure.

The instrument panel sometimes would lose power, but after a few miles would return to normal.

No other problems I can think of.

General Comments:

I bought the car for my wife, she drove it until she passed away in 2007. She always left me in the dust and was out of sight quickly, even though I had another vehicle with the same basic engine, a 3.8 V6.

I think it is extremely fast, and it has very quick steering, sort of like a race car. A slight movement of the steering wheel moves the car decisively. It is fun to drive, and comfortable, lots of leg room.

I made a trip from Oregon to North Dakota November 2nd, and returned November 4th to Oregon this past year just to vote, as I am a resident of ND, and the fuel mileage was unbelievable, I averaged over 31mpg for 1500 miles going, mountains and all, which for a performance vehicle is unreal.

It is white in color, not hard to keep clean, and has all the options including moonroof and heated leather seats. With the spoiler and alloy wheels it is a sharp car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2009

2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS V6 from North America

Model year2002
Year of manufacture2002
First year of ownership2004
Most recent year of ownership2008
Engine and transmission V6 Automatic
Distance when acquired17000 miles
Most recent distance57000 miles
Previous carFord Explorer

Summary:

Looks good but has mechanical issues

Faults:

Replaced three batteries in the past year, alternator, body control module (computer), and mass air control sensor. Got it back from dealer yesterday and the car broke down again tonight. Told the dealer it appears to be a voltage/electrical issue that is frying everything under my hood. Mechanics at the dealership unable to troubleshoot and fix it. Only has 57000 miles!

General Comments:

Chevrolet mechanics unable to troubleshoot and correct serious electrical issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th October, 2008

27th Mar 2012, 07:29

There is obviously an electrical problem with the car. Take the car to a different dealer just for the diagnostics, and then take it back to your dealer with their results.

I am a GM technician, and I also have a Monte Carlo SS. It is the best car I have ever owned or driven. Never had a problem with it.

Try asking if there is a short anywhere. If you have an amp in and you installed it yourself, then there may be just enough power to start it, but it is taking too much power, or maybe moisture is a problem?

Just remember though, love the car when it runs, for the amazing car it is, and hate it when it's broke like every other car.

This car is by far the best car General Motors has put out in an eternity. The last best? The 87 IROC Z28 Camaro.

27th Mar 2012, 09:06

And before that was the 1971 Buick Riviera.

21st Jun 2012, 14:23

I am looking to buy a 2002 Monte Carlo, where the seller says the only issue is that it won't go past 40mph. I have read that is usually a bad catalytic converter (part cost as low as $100). What do you think I would expect to pay for labor to put a new one in, and at 150k miles, do you think I would still have a good car, especially with that 3800 series V-6 in there?

2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 3.8L 200 HP SF1 V6 from North America

Model year2002
Year of manufacture2002
First year of ownership2007
Most recent year of ownership2008
Engine and transmission 3.8L 200 HP SF1 V6 Automatic
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 5 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
5.0 / 10
Distance when acquired10761 miles
Most recent distance17550 miles
Previous carFord Escape

Summary:

I love this car and it's performance!

Faults:

Have only replaced the sensor relay unit on the oil pressure gauge.

General Comments:

This car is the Dale Earnhardt Limited Edition - #1171 of 3333 produced. Second Owner - apparently first owner must have garaged it basically for the first 5 years. I use it as my go everywhere car.

This car is handles really well and is extremely fun to drive. The only drawback is keeping it clean as the black finish just seems to draw dirt and grime!

The NASCAR inspired styling allows this car to run quiet under most conditions - even with the windows down and the sunroof wide open.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2008

Average review marks: 8.3 / 10, based on 17 reviews